Movie #2 – It’s a Wonderful Life comes up listed as a fantasy comedy-drama released in 1946. It’s got a hero named George you root for, a villain who does end up a lonely old man, darling children, and an angel second-class named Clarence who has gumption, humor, and common sense.
George Bailey: Well, you look about the kind of angel I’d get. Sort of a fallen angel, aren’t you? What happened to your wings?
Clarence: I haven’t won my wings, yet. That’s why I’m called an Angel Second Class. I have to earn them. And you’ll help me will you?
George Bailey: [sarcastic] Sure, sure. How?
Clarence: By letting me help you.
George Bailey: I know one way you can help me. You don’t happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?
Clarence: No, we don’t use money in Heaven.
George Bailey: Well, it comes in real handy down here, bud!
How many of us have had George Bailey moments when we feel we’re the only ones carrying the ball, and yet choose over and over to do the right thing? This movie gives us all the chance to pause either the movie or our busy life, to realize we all do count and we all do affect the lives of others. It happens every day on our street, in the neighborhood, in our town or city. I like to believe the circles can keep expanding. And at Christmas we can do this wholeheartedly. See how it feels.
